There are many times when discouragement sets in and what I do feels pointless—especially when it’s “the little things.”
Yeah, life provides some big moments that seemingly give purpose. But those are only occasional, and in between, in the mundane, the little accomplishments and victories can feel rather inconsequential.
The tone of resigned philosophies like nihilism, stoicism, or absurdism can start to look appealing, whether we’re aware of them as such or not. Staying aloof from passion and a desire to produce outcomes can start to sound like the high road.
But then, the Scriptures intervene with our cosmic pity party:
Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might - Ecclesiastes 9:10a
He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. - Luke 16:10
I’m reminded of a song I’ve long appreciated—Little Wonders by Rob Thomas. As the chorus says,
Our lives are made
In these small hours
These little wonders
These twists and turns of fate
Time falls away
But these small hours
These small hours
Still remain
At the end of our lives, when all the time we had has fallen away, it is the steady, plodding faithfulness of the small hours that remains.
Dads, when you put down the phone or turn off the game to lead a family devo, or get down and play with the kids, or praise your wife and give her a hug of thanks, it matters.
Moms, when you change a diaper, or administer discipline, or teach your kids their memory verse, or submit to your husband’s lead even when you don’t want to, it matters.
Young guys, when you prioritize the Word, and take action to fight back against porn or any other besetting temptation, it matters.
Young ladies, when you practice modesty and cultivate a gentle spirit before the Lord, it matters.
Church leaders, when you open up the Word and guide people based on what pleases God even if it’s unpopular, and when you draw near to your people to share the love of Christ with them, it matters.
Even when any of these things are hard to do, or generally unpleasant—no, especially when they’re hard and unpleasant—it matters.
God is glorified in our faithfulness, even in the littlest of things. Even in the things that seem inconsequential or not worth doing. Even in the things that will not garner recognition, and may not even be remembered.
It matters. Keep on keeping on.
Notes
Think Deeper Podcast this week covers a number of quotes from Jesus that have been twisted into saying something He never meant. Listen and subscribe here
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Great encouragement! Thanks Jack!